Every year, the NBA trade deadline is a time for teams to reassess their performance so far this season. Teams either add pieces or look to rebuild for the future. This year, in particular, has seen some of the most polarizing trade moves in recent history, with numerous superstar players leaving their old homes in hopes of bringing glory to new fanbases. Teams across the league made countless impactful moves, too many for me to recap, but in this article I hope to cover moves that the majority of NBA fans seem to consider most notable.
Luka Dončić traded to The Lakers
Without a doubt, one of the most notable trades so far this deadline has been the Luka Dončić trade to the Lakers. The 25-year-old superstar who many used to refer to as “untradeable” was sent to the Lakers for Anthony Davis and a first round pick. “I think it is a terrible trade for the Mavericks,” said sophomore basketball enthusiast Sebby Arata. “Anthony Davis is 31 and Luka is mid twenties and in his prime which makes the move really questionable in my eyes.”
De’Aaron Fox and Zach Lavine Find New Homes
Another league altering trade hit the news soon after the Luka trade. In a three-team-agreement, the Bulls, Kings and Spurs all agreed on a deal that sent De’Aaron Fox to the Spurs and Zach Lavine to the Kings. The Bulls did not acquire any big names from the deal but did gain some draft capital for the future. “I think it’s a good trade for the Spurs. They have a very bright future and have the makings of a dynasty,” exclaimed sophomore basketball player Andrew Garside. “The bulls on the other hand, do not have a bright future and have set themselves up poorly in my opinion. I am curious to see how they perform without their best player moving forward.”
Jimmy Butler Joins Steph Curry in The Golden State
Lastly, a shocking last minute move rocked the NBA world when the Warriors made the move to trade Andrew Wiggens, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson, Lindy Waters III, and a top-ten first round pick to the Heat in return for Jimmy Butler. Charlie Levy, another basketball player at the highschool, had mixed feelings about the move. “Giving up a first round pick, a really young Andrew Wiggins and Kyle Anderson feels like too much in return for an aging Jimmy. Butler is also on contract for around 60 million dollars for the next two seasons which I don’t feel is good value for his age.” Despite all the Warriors lost in return for Jimmy Butler, his innate playoff prowess and success with underskilled teams serves as an exciting story to follow as the Warriors make a push towards the playoffs.
Looking Forward
Clearly the trade deadline is a time of heated debate among NBA fanbases across the globe, but the fact of the matter is that all of these trades never have a definitive outcome. So many factors play into a successful NBA team and while teams may at face glance appear talented enough to make a run for the NBA title, often it is the gritty, well coached teams with great chemistry that perform best when the lights are brightest. The season is still far from over and while fans may have a range of opinions in regards to their teams trade moves during the deadline, only one thing is for certain: the next few months of NBA basketball are going to be competitive and captivating without a doubt.
